About

$38,769

pledged of $15,000 goal

537

backers

My Background:

In May 2016 I moved to Philadelphia to get married and start my own business making a line of fun, colorful, and unique ceramic pots. After 6 years of teaching art at the university level and making pots on evenings and weekends, I was so excited for the opportunity to work in the studio full-time. I love to work with my hands and create accessibly-priced pieces of art that make people happy. The response to this line of ceramics has been remarkable, and I can't wait to see where the business will go next.

Krista (my wife) and I taking a break outside of our current studio in Port Richmond

My Challenge:

After almost one year of operating out of a studio in the Port Richmond neighborhood in Philadelphia, we have outgrown the space and are now facing an important challenge. In order to take the next step in our business, we need to upgrade to a larger and better-equipped facility that will help us increase production and allow for better visibility and engagement with the public. We recently found an amazing space at the Globe Dye Works, a beautiful converted factory building located in the Frankford neighborhood. This space offers some significant upgrades from my current studio including brand a new electrical system, HVAC, windows + skylights. Most importantly, the Globe Dye Works building is home for many creative small-businesses which provides a great sense of community and potential for networking.

New studio space under construction at Globe Dye Works

My Goal:

In order to move in to a new space and start producing right away, I need to buy a few pieces of new equipment and build some new studio furniture. The most important investment is 3 new electric kilns, which are essential in the production of ceramics. I am looking to purchase 3 Skutt KM-1227 kilns from The Ceramic Shop, a Philadelphia-based ceramic supply company. Each of these kilns costs $2,844.00 and should last for at least 10-15 years of regular firing. In addition to the kilns, I am seeking $1,500 for materials to build tables, carts, a storage system, and a structure for displaying finished work. Lastly, I would like to hire and train local artists through an assistantship and internship program, offering them fair wages for their work, which I would be able to get off the ground with an additional $5,000 of contributions. With these updated kilns, improved efficiency, and trained assistants, I will be able to increase production volume and start accepting larger orders.

Skutt KM-1227 electric kiln

Your Rewards:

#1. $10 -

Enamel Pin

Enamel pins are available in 2 different shapes, 4 colorways.

#2. $25 - Small Drippy Pot

Small drippy pot is approx. 3" x 3" and available in a variety of colorways (Lavender/Grape shown here)

#3. $35 - Small Drippy Pot + Enamel Pin

A small pot from Reward # 2 + a pin from Reward #1

#4. $40 - Medium Drippy Pot

Medium drippy pot is approx. 3.5" x 4.5" and available in a variety of colorways (Ruin shown here)

Come by the studio to say hello and pick up a drippy pot of your choice (no shipping cost)! We love to meet our customers and would be happy to show you around the studio and help you pick a piece (or two).

#8. $55 - Rainbow Drippy Vase

Shown here in the Creamsicle, Powder, Bubblegum, and Lavender colorways

#9. $65 - Large Drippy Pot

Large drippy pot is approx. 6" x 7" and available in a variety of colorways (Saffron/Turmeric shown here)

2-hour lesson at my Philadelphia studio for you and your boo + a piece of your choice to take home!

#18. $275 - Set of 4 Custom Drippy Bowls

I'd love to create a grouping of bowls for you in your favorite colorways (Shown here in Mint/Avocado, Lavender/Ash, Powder/Denim, Creamsicle/Ash)

#19. $300 - Set of 5 Large Drippy Pots / Vases

A special grouping of Bubblegum/Ombré vases shown here

#20. $425 - Full-day Workshop

If you live within 100 miles of Philadelphia, I'll come to your school/studio/community center for a full-day workshop! I'd love to demonstrate throwing on the wheel, share glazing techniques, teach you about mold making, and/or talk about how to market and sell ceramics. I can tailor my workshop to you and your needs to get the most out of the day.

#21. $500 - Custom Set of Pots / Vases

If you want total creative control over your beautiful new ceramic collection, this is the option for you. You choose the forms + colorways and Brian will make a special grouping of 5-8 (depending on size) pieces just for you!

#22. $750 - Personal Shopper

Let us do your holiday shopping for you this year! Send us the names and favorite colorways of 12 of your BFFs, and we'll pick out and send them a large drippy vase/pot ($50 value) and handwritten card letting them know how much you love them. Say Happy Holidays with handmade ceramics this year!

Risks and challenges

There are always risks involved with the ceramic process. In our normal production, we have pieces that come out as imperfect, seconds, or sometimes completely unusable. We overcome this risk by always producing an additional 15-20% of the required pieces to account for loss. Even if the piece that you requested as a reward doesn't turn out perfectly the first time, you can trust that we will get it right for you. After all, we're professionals!

In the case of an overwhelming response to a particular reward level, or the campaign as a whole (woo!!!) we may need to extend the fulfillment / delivery times slightly for some recipients. Our pots require a lot of handwork and individual attention, so it takes several weeks for them to go through the entire process.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $25 or more
About $25

Small Drippy Pot

If you're just starting a ceramic collection or you live in a small space (we can relate!), this is a great option for you. Lots of colors, shapes and styles available. If you have a particular color preference, we'll do our best to accommodate you!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $35 or more
About $35

Small Drippy Pot + Enamel Pin

If you can't decide between the first two options, why not get the best of both worlds? Lots of colors, shapes and styles available. If you have a particular color preference, we'll do our best to accommodate you!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $40 or more
About $40

Medium Drippy Pot

These pieces are a bit larger (think, drinking cup size) and have lots of uses, depending on your interests and lifestyle. Lots of colors, shapes and styles available. If you have a particular color preference, we'll do our best to accommodate you!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $50 or more
About $50

Medium FX Drippy Pot

Craving Cookies n' Cream or cupcakes? Let us select a one-of-a-kind piece for you in our popular special FX colorway. If you have a particular FX color preference, we'll do our best to accommodate you!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $55 or more
About $55

Locals' Only Drippy Pot + Studio Visit

Come by the studio to say hello and pick up a drippy pot of your choice (no shipping cost)! We love to meet our customers and would be happy to show you around the studio and help you pick a piece (or two).

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $65 or more
About $65

Large Drippy Pot

Make a statement on your table or throw a bouquet in this option to take to your next housewarming party. Lots of colors, shapes and styles available. If you have a particular color preference, we'll do our best to accommodate it!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $70 or more
About $70

Pet Dish Set

Your pet deserves to be spoiled. This is a good start. A set of two 5" x 2" drippy food/water dishes in a variety of colors. If you (or your pet) have particular color preferences, we'll do our best to accommodate you!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $80 or more
About $80

Large Sherbet Drippy Vase

Can't decide on a glaze color; why not have them all? Sherbet vases are rare and always sell out quickly! With this reward, you'll receive a special vase in the Sherbet colorway, based on your color preferences.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $130 or more
About $130

Small, Medium, + Large Drippy Pot

Can't decide on a drippy pot size? Why not pledge for all three? This reward gets you a grouping of one small (3x3"), one medium (3.5x4.5") and one large (6x7"). You can let us know if you'd like a monochrome or multi-color grouping!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $180 or more
About $180

Set of 5 Special FX Drippy Pots

If you're on the funky side, you'll love a grouping of our Special FX pieces that we put together with you in mind. Lots of colors, shapes and styles available. Give them as gifts or keep them all for yourself!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $200 or more
About $200

Set of 5 Medium Drippy Pots

Create a beautiful tablescape in your home or office with this option, as we pick a one-of-a-kind grouping for you. Lots of colors, shapes and styles available. Give them as gifts or keep them all for yourself!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $275 or more
About $275

Set of 4 Custom Drippy Bowls

You pick the colorways and Brian will make a special grouping of 4 drippy bowls just for you! Bowls are cereal-sized or ambitious-ice-cream-eater-sized, if that's your thing. They'll look perfect in your home or apartment.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $425 or more
About $425

Full-Day Workshop

If you live within 100 miles of Philadelphia, Brian will come to your school/studio/community center for a full-day workshop! I'd love to demonstrate throwing on the wheel, share glazing techniques, teach you about mold making, and/or talk about how to market and sell ceramics. I can tailor my workshop to you and your needs to get the most out of the day.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $500 or more
About $500

Custom Set of Pots/Vases

If you want total creative control over your beautiful new ceramic collection, this is the option for you. You choose the forms + colorways and Brian will make a special grouping of 5-8 (depending on size) pieces just for you!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $750 or more
About $750

Personal Shopper

Let us do your holiday shopping for you this year! Send us the names and favorite colorways of 12 of your BFFs, and we'll pick out and send them a large drippy vase/pot ($50 value) and handwritten card letting them know how much you love them. Say Happy Holidays with handmade ceramics this year!